Betty Sims served the people of the 24th District (Part of St. Louis County). Born in St. Louis, she attended Smith College and earned a B.A. from Washington University in 1956 and an MBA from Southern Illinois University in 1981. She was a small business consultant and owned and operated her own small business from 1981-1988. Senator Sims was involved in numerous health, long-term care and children’s services organizations. In 2004, she was honored with the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award, which is the Junior League of St. Louis’ most prestigious honor. She also served as a chairwoman and member of the Missouri State Board of Accountancy from 1982-1987. In 2010, she was appointed to the state’s Coordinating Board for Higher Education. She was elected to the Senate in 1994 and again in 1998. Senator Sims served as assistant majority floor leader for the 91st General Assembly, from 2001-2002. (Republican)